What is Divorce Mediation on Long Island?

As an experienced Long Island Divorce Attorney and Divorce Mediator, many couples have come to me seeking alternative methods to the infamous Contested Divorce. Divorce Mediation is something that does not receive a lot of attention, as the process lends itself to amicable and peaceful resolutions, but it is a process that should be utilized more often, if feasible.

What is Divorce Mediation & How Does it Work on Long Island?

Divorce Mediation falls loosely under the category of Uncontested Divorces. Mediation is a voluntary process that will produce a binding result, namely a Stipulation of Settlement. In Divorce Mediation, you and your spouse hire one mediator who will serve as a neutral third party in guiding you to your Stipulation of Settlement, and ultimately a Finalized Divorce.

What Role Does Everyone Play in the Divorce Mediation Process?

Your Divorce Mediator is a neutral third party who will listen to you and your spouse discuss the various issues in your divorce. He or she will take notes and guide your discussion to assist you and your spouse in reaching an amicable agreement. Your Divorce Mediator works for both you and your spouse, so he or she will not be taking sides. His or her ultimate goal is to help you and your spouse reach an agreement in the most amicable fashion possible.

You and your spouse will lead the discussions during your mediation sessions and will be the ones with the ultimate authority to reach an agreement. Once you have reached that agreement, your mediator will draft a Stipulation of Settlement which both you and your spouse will review, approve and sign. Once signed, the Stipulation and the Submission Packet, which is a packet of documents required to obtain a Divorce Decree, will be filed with the court in the county in which you reside.

Are There Requirements Necessary to Engage in Divorce Mediation?

Divorce Mediation is a selective process; only a small number of couples will fit into this category. In order to effectively participate in Divorce Mediation, you and your spouse need to be able to effectively communicate. You both need to be willing to compromise, while also being secure enough to state your goals for your Long Island Divorce. You must be willing to cooperate and listen to your spouse during your Divorce Mediation Sessions. Again, because your Divorce Mediator is a neutral third party, he or she cannot make decisions for you. If you and your spouse reach an impasse, your mediator cannot just decide for you. You must be willing to work through those impasses with your spouse.

Are There Financial Advantages to Divorce Mediation on Long Island?

Absolutely. As a quick comparison, a Contested Divorce could easily cost tens of thousands of dollars. That is just simply the nature of a Contested Divorce. Alternatively, Divorce Mediation may only cost you a flat fee of $5,000 if your matter only takes one or two sessions to mediate.

You and your spouse are not paying two attorneys, just one Divorce Mediator. You are not spending hours upon hours in a courtroom racking up enormous legal fees. You are not going to conferences or hearings or trials. In fact, many Divorce Mediations are completed in three or less sessions, in a comfortable office environment.

Are There Any Other Advantages to Divorce Mediation?

Again, absolutely. Most couples who decide to go the Divorce Mediation route find that they are less stressed throughout the entire divorce process. There are no stressful court appearances or trials to prepare for. There are just calm, respectful conversations.

Additionally, and for a lot of couples most importantly, if you and your spouse have children together, it is very likely that you will have a respectful co-parenting relationship during and after your divorce is complete. Being able to respectfully and amicably end your marriage can really go a long way in your post-divorce relationship with your spouse. There will likely be less fighting and contentious conversations, allowing your children to see that a healthy relationship still exists in the family. Divorce Mediation may also allow you and your spouse to be more flexible, especially when it comes to Child Custody and Visitation, as things often come up when raising children that could affect parenting time.

Have a Few More Questions About Long Island Divorce Mediation on Long Island? Contact Us for a Free Consultation

To learn more about Divorce Mediation on Long Island and how it can save you time, money and stress, visit this page: How Divorce Mediation Works and its Benefits for Families in Nassau, Suffolk, Long Island. If you still have some more questions regarding Divorce Mediation on Long Island, or would simply like to talk to someone about your options, please call our office at 631-923-1910 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Long Island Divorce Mediators. We have helped countless couples reach a settlement that works for them, and look forward to the opportunity to get your post-divorce life started on the right foot.

Download Your Free New York Divorce Guide

Our 41-page “Guide to New York Divorce: What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Divorce Lawyer in New York” written by an experienced family law lawyer, Long Island’s Robert E. Hornberger, Esq., provides you with real information on the divorce process and the laws it rests upon in the state of New York. This book will help give you a solid foundation upon which you can begin the process of making your family’s, life better.

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Long Island Divorce Attorneys, Divorce Lawyers, Divorce Mediators, Family Law Attorneys serving Nassau County, Suffolk County and the five boroughs of New York City.

Hornberger Verbitsky, P.C. respects your right to privacy. We will never sell your information to any third party. Follow this link to read our full Privacy Policy

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